Lake Orion students use T-shirts to fight suicide WITH VIDEO

Published 12:00 am, Friday, March 9, 2012

"One of those friends I had known for seven years, and I considered him to be a brother. When I got the news of his death, I was shocked. I knew that he was in trouble with many things in life, but I didn't believe it was that bad," said Gilliam. "I don't know if it was because he thought he had no one to talk to, but I'm sure that if he could have talked to someone, he would still be here."

Junior Kandiss Gramme, 17, said her sister Lexie's best friend lost his life to suicide.

"My family and close friends were very affected by this. When I heard the terrible news, I was in instant denial. I did not want to believe what I was hearing," said Gramme.

Suicide has affected many students at Lake Orion High School, with 10 current or former students losing their lives within four years. Gilliam, Gramme and a group of their fellow juniors have decided to try and put an end to the epidemic.

As part of their STAR class at school, a weekly homeroom class, the juniors decided to sell T-shirts through March 16 with all proceeds going toward the North Oakland Community Coalition's suicide prevention and mental health initiatives in the Lake Orion community. The North Oakland Community Coalition is an Oxford- and Lake Orion-based nonprofit which focuses on substance abuse and mental health service programs.

Teacher Catherine Srock said the class recognized that in order for plans to be implemented regarding suicide awareness and prevention, funding was needed.

"This is their way of working with the community to help others and to let them know that they care and that 'they're not alone,' which is the slogan on the back of the shirts," said Srock.

Srock said in her first year teaching, one of her students died from suicide. She said every suicide the school district has faced since then takes her back to the morning she found out about her first student.

"That day and the feelings that I experienced standing in that room with 31 sets of eyes looking at me, and me looking at that one empty desk, is a memory that will forever be with me. I didn't have any answers for them, and it's a moment I hope to never repeat," she said.

The T-shirts, which cost $15, are black and the front features the Lake Orion "LO," finishing off the word with "ve" to spell "Love." A yellow suicide prevention ribbon hangs off the "e." The money raised will be used to hold more events such as the recent Young Adult Summit for 18- to 24-year-olds.

North Oakland Community Coalition Executive Director Julie Brenner said those attending told her they were looking for more events where they can talk about their feelings instead of just listening to a speaker. Mental health professionals took notes as the students were talking to help with future ideas and programs.

"We talked about how substance abuse can affect some choices people make. We talked about coping, signs to look for and how to grieve. All of these kids have suffered such loses," said Brenner. "It's not a joke when someone talks about it. Always take it seriously."

Srock said she personally doesn't want to have to attend any more student funerals, and she doesn't want any more students to have to say goodbye to those they care about.

"I want to watch them get their diplomas, hear about the excitements of college, read about their wedding announcements or hear from them in 20 years about their families, jobs and how happy their life is. We have to let our kids know how much they mean to us," said Srock.

FYI: To purchase a Lake Orion "Love" suicide awareness T-shirt from now through March 16, visit http://twyvt.wgxpd.servertrust.com/product_p/love.htm or send a check to Lake Orion High School c/o Cathy Srock, 495 E. Scripps Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360 with size (youth medium, youth large, adult small, medium, large, extra large or 2 extra large), name, phone number and email. Shirts cost $15, and all proceeds go toward North Oakland Community Coalition. For additional information, email csrock@lakeorion.k12.mi.us. For those who are or know someone who is contemplating suicide, call the 24-hour Common Ground crisis line at 800-231-1127 or Oakland Family Services at 248-858-7766.